'One Night in March' airing Thursday on MPB

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STARKVILLE, Miss.--The documentary film highlighting one of Mississippi State University's finest hours in both athletics and racial reconciliation will be broadcast Thursday [May 16] on Mississippi Public Broadcasting.

To air at 8:30 p.m., "One Night in March" tells the story of one of the most historic games in college basketball history, the March 15, 1963, NCAA tournament game between MSU and Loyola University Chicago.

Produced by MSU alumnus Robbie Coblentz, the 50th anniversary edition film includes never-before-seen home movies of the team, new photographs and footage from the December 2012 reunion game between the two schools.

Coblentz is president of Starkville-based Broadcast Media Group, Inc.

"The film 'One Night in March' represents one of Mississippi State University's finest moments, not only in sports history, but in the overall history of the university," said MSU President Mark E. Keenum.

"This true story speaks volumes about MSU's longstanding commitment to fair competition, fair play and meaningful diversity during a critical time in the state's history," Keenum added.

The 40-minute film focuses on Coach Babe McCarthy's all-white team that defied a court injunction and, more importantly, the then unwritten rule of a deeply segregated state that prohibited in-state teams from playing teams with black players.

In addition to interviews that include former players and others related to the experience, the production includes remarks by former Mississippi governor William Winter, who this week was honored by MSU with an honorary doctorate in recognition of his lifetime achievements.

"This story makes national headlines every time Mississippi State is in the tournament, but we wanted to tell it through Mississippi eyes," Coblentz said. "It is set in the midst of the forceful integration of Ole Miss and the deaths of the civil rights workers in Philadelphia and tells the true story of a game that changed Mississippi State athletics forever."

Originally produced in 2002, the updated version was featured in February at Starkville's Magnolia Independent Film Festival, where it received the audience choice award.

For more information about the documentary or to purchase a copy, visit www.onenightinmarch.com.